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Germany Visa from Thailand
Schengen C via VFS Sathorn and National D directly at the German Embassy — including EU Blue Card, Chancenkarte Opportunity Card, freelancer §21, and APS-certified study visas.
Quick Answer
Short trips go through the Schengen process; work, study and EU Blue Card cases use a national D visa. Degree recognition and sworn translations of diplomas are often the slowest part, so start those early. Fees, visa-free rules and processing times change often, so confirm the current figures with the embassy or official portal before you apply. We prepare and translate documents; we do not guarantee a decision.
Routes we handle
| Route | Use case | Fee | Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen C | Tourism, business, family visit ≤ 90 days | Set by the embassy — verify the current rate | 10–15 wd |
| National D — Study | Bachelor/Master (APS required) | Set by the embassy — verify the current rate | 6–8 wk |
| National D — Blue Card | Skilled worker, salary ≥ €48,300 (2024) | Set by the embassy — verify the current rate | 8–12 wk |
| Chancenkarte | Opportunity Card, job seeker, points-based | Set by the embassy — verify the current rate | 8–10 wk |
| Freelancer §21 | Selbständige — artists, IT contractors, Berlin route | Set by the embassy — verify the current rate | 10–14 wk |
| Family reunification | Spouse/child (A1 German required for spouse) | Set by the embassy — verify the current rate | 3–6 mo |
APS-first study visa protocol
- Diploma authentication at MOE Thailand + MFA legalization.
- Sworn German translation (by German-recognized übersetzer).
- APS submission at German Embassy academic office — 2–3 weeks.
- University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) received.
- Blocked account €11,904/year (Fintiba or Expatrio).
- National D visa lodged at embassy — 6–8 weeks decision.
FAQ
- Schengen or National (D) visa?
- Trips ≤ 90 days in any 180-day window → Schengen C (tourism, business, family visit, short training). Stays > 90 days (study, work, family reunification, Blue Card, job seeker, freelancer, Chancenkarte) → National D visa filed at German Embassy Bangkok. The two use different application forms (VIDEX vs. printed Nationales Visum).
- Where to apply from Bangkok?
- Schengen C: VFS Global Sathorn (Silom Complex 15F) — appointment booked via VFS Germany portal, biometrics + document submission in one visit. National D: German Embassy directly, 9 South Sathorn Road — appointment via embassy's online scheduler, currently 6–12 week wait for study/work slots.
- How long?
- Schengen C: on a timeline we confirm after reviewing the documents standard, up to 45 in peak season (Jun–Aug). National D: study 6–8 weeks, work/Blue Card 8–12 weeks, family reunification 3–6 months (spouse German-language A1 required first).
- Fees?
- Fees depend on the documents, destination and urgency. Send your documents for a written quote after review — no prices are published. Any government or embassy fees are set by the authority; verify them directly before filing.
- APS certificate — do I need one?
- Yes if applying for a Bachelor/Master student visa. Since 2024 all Thai study applicants must obtain an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) from the German Embassy academic office BEFORE filing the National D visa. We handle APS submission (2–3 weeks) as a bundled step.
- Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) — is it real?
- Yes, live since June 2024. Points-based job-seeker route (min. 6 points from qualifications + German/English language + age + experience). We assess your point count, prepare the sworn German-translated CV/diplomas, and file the National D visa with a 1-year job-search validity.
Contact: 083-2494999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@nyclegal.co.th
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Official sources — visa & work permit
The information on this page follows the official sources below. Always check the latest version before you file.
- สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง — วีซ่า รายงานตัว 90 วัน TM.30— Immigration Bureau
- Thai e-Visa Official Portal— MFA Thailand
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)— Immigration Bureau
- กรมการจัดหางาน — ใบอนุญาตทำงานคนต่างด้าว— Department of Employment
- สำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการลงทุน (BOI) / LTR Visa— Thailand Board of Investment
- กรมการกงสุล — บริการรับรองเอกสาร (นิติกรณ์)— กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the DTV and who realistically qualifies?
- The Destination Thailand Visa is a five-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable once per entry by a further 180 days at an immigration office. It targets remote workers employed or contracted outside Thailand, freelancers with foreign clients, and participants in Thai soft-power activities such as Muay Thai training, cooking courses or medical treatment, and it requires evidence of the current official rate in available funds.
- How is the LTR visa different from the DTV?
- The Long-Term Resident visa is a ten-year visa administered by the Board of Investment for wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals and highly skilled professionals, and it bundles a digital work permit, a flat 17% personal income tax rate for the skilled-professional category and annual instead of 90-day reporting. The DTV is cheaper and faster but grants no work permit for Thai-sourced work and no tax privileges.
- Can I work in Thailand on a tourist or DTV visa?
- No — any work performed inside Thailand requires a work permit or an equivalent digital work authorization, regardless of where the employer or client is located. The DTV is intended for work delivered to foreign employers and clients; taking on Thai clients or a Thai employer requires switching to a Non-B or LTR pathway with proper authorization.
- What most often causes a Schengen or UK visa refusal from Thailand?
- The dominant causes are weak evidence of ties to Thailand, bank statements that show a sudden unexplained deposit shortly before filing, inconsistencies between the application form and supporting documents, insufficient or non-compliant travel insurance, and an itinerary that does not match the stated purpose. Refusals are recorded, so a re-application must directly address the refusal ground rather than simply resubmit the same file.